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Six Tricks for Getting the Most Gasoline Value Per Dollar
cnn.com — It's costing us more and more money to fill up the gas tank. And while that's unlikely to change anytime soon, there are some tricks to getting the most value per gas dollar.
Blakovitch- 825 diggs
- digg it
- EllieElliott, on 03/25/2008, -1/+12I digg only cause it says to buy gas on Wednesday.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -4/+21How about, learn to drive a ***** stick shift! In addition to saving weight, a manual transmission, hen driven properly, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, this is in addition to the grand that you save up front when you buy the car.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -8/+5Funny...my six speed manual, which I think I know how to drive, when driven properly, gets CRAP mileage...I shift from 1st to 4th most of the time in the city...which saves mileage bigtime.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+9Then that's your car, not the transmission. Do you have the exact same car with an automatic to do a side-by-side with?
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2No, and automatic transmission wasn't available as an option at any cost, nor would I have one.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+9Then that's your car, not the transmission. Do you have the exact same car with an automatic to do a side-by-side with?
- cawpin, on 03/25/2008, -1/+13I don't know why Spuy's being buried. He's absolutely correct. manual transmissions get better mileage in the same car than an automatic.
- davidlkirby, on 03/25/2008, -0/+13its too hard to talk on the phone and eat a cheeseburger with a stick shift. I mean, that's what half the drivers do out there anyway, right?
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -1/+4Driving a manual is a lost art.
- brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -0/+7I was discussing new cars with a guy at work and he brought up that driving stick often forces a driver to pay more attention to driving.
- ricksite, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1That was a big thing when cars had 3 gears. Most automatics today have more than that. The difference is pretty negligible with modern cars. Cars with continuously variable transmission (CVT) are always in the right gear.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -8/+5Funny...my six speed manual, which I think I know how to drive, when driven properly, gets CRAP mileage...I shift from 1st to 4th most of the time in the city...which saves mileage bigtime.
- TimDigg, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Royal F'n Farms.....the best place to buy gas...ALWAYS
- vypergts, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1I used to check regularly on www.gasbuddy.com but Costco is always the cheapest where I live.
- freshyill, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Best place to buy potato wedges and chicken fingers too.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Wednesday shemensday.... The other "theory" was that Stations on the Highways and Turnpikes could only change their prices ONCE a week, and that day was on a Friday... I kept tabs on this, and the prices of gas in my area... NONE of the stations change their prices on Wednesday... I monitor at least ten of them.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -4/+21How about, learn to drive a ***** stick shift! In addition to saving weight, a manual transmission, hen driven properly, can reduce fuel consumption by up to 15 percent, this is in addition to the grand that you save up front when you buy the car.
- easyone, on 03/25/2008, -0/+8Wonder how busy the pumps will be tomorrow morning.
- ep53, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Considering theres 125 diggs now, im assuming that around 500 people (incl Cnn.com readers) all over the world will probably buy the gas especially tommorow morning.....So i wouldnt wake up expecting huge traffic jams at your local petrol station tomorrow :)
- senatorpjt, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1I'll find out. I buy gas every Wednesday morning, just because I have breakfast with my grandpa, and the cheapest gas station is on the way there.
- douchewag, on 03/25/2008, -2/+9I liked only the view of Driving Style, but will people really care.
Why not encourage more fuel efficient cars rather than all this B.S.:)- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+12Because if you drive a fuel efficient car like a retard, you're still going to get ***** gas mileage. My girlfriend had a Civic hybrid when I started dating her. She used to get about 38 MPG out of it. I would drive the same car, with an added 200lbs of weight, and somehow get 57mpg. And this is in the summer with the A/C on. Sure, there are fuel inefficient cars, but driving style plays a huge part in the mileage that you get.
- brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Something similar to that but with an aging Volvo station wagon. My girlfriend burned through gas like crazy in that thing but when I drove it I'd get 40-60% better mileage. Mind you this was a standard. There's a lot to be said for driving style.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4Driving style helps out in saving gas.... most people are always in a hury to get to their destination, and therefore floor it everyday... then they wonder where their money went. Slow down, save gas, a speeding ticket, and hey a life!
I've seen way to many people fly past me only to meet them at the traffic light, people are such in a hurry anymore... one of these days its gonna kill them.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+12Because if you drive a fuel efficient car like a retard, you're still going to get ***** gas mileage. My girlfriend had a Civic hybrid when I started dating her. She used to get about 38 MPG out of it. I would drive the same car, with an added 200lbs of weight, and somehow get 57mpg. And this is in the summer with the A/C on. Sure, there are fuel inefficient cars, but driving style plays a huge part in the mileage that you get.
- annflower, on 03/25/2008, -4/+14Want to save money on gas? Buy bicycle!
- stvalentino, on 03/25/2008, -1/+5want to save money on gas? Revive the "Electric Car"!!
Check it out http://www.onlineweblibrary.com/blog/?p=377- FasterGun, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0489037/
- GutterMoo, on 03/25/2008, -5/+3I logged in just to Digg you down. Sure, I know you probably meant no harm in your statement, but you bike people always forget that not everyone works in a city. I commute about 40 miles to work, should I get a bike? Hell no!
- lamiaconfitor, on 03/25/2008, -3/+1In mother Russia...
- brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Bike + cold = :-(
- stvalentino, on 03/25/2008, -1/+5want to save money on gas? Revive the "Electric Car"!!
- hokie47, on 03/25/2008, -10/+4mileage change as a function of temperature drop
drop 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110
mpg 98% 96% 94% 92% 90% 88% 87% 85% 84% 82% 81%
50 49 48 47 46 45 44 44 43 42 41 41
45 44 43 42 41 41 40 39 38 38 37 36
30 29 29 28 28 27 26 26 26 25 25 24
35 34 34 33 32 32 31 30 30 29 29 28
30 29 29 28 28 27 26 26 26 25 25 24
25 25 24 24 23 23 22 22 21 21 21 20
20 20 19 19 18 18 18 17 17 17 16 16
http://www.xenodochy.org/ex/abstract/mileage.html - diablo75, on 03/25/2008, -0/+21My Harley get's 50 MPG. That's a pretty cool gas saving "trick".
- ricepudd, on 03/25/2008, -3/+3My diesel Vauxhall Vectra (which is a little more practical than your Harley) can get 55 MPG...
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -2/+8My rice burner can approach 70 MPG...
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -4/+6Tell the EMS how much you saved when you get hit by some soccer mom in an SUV who's on her phone, eating a hot dog, while doing her makeup, doesn't see you, and pulls out in front of you while you're doing 55 on the highway.
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -0/+6That's why you wear boots, so you can kick her grill in when she finally realizes you're there and stops in the middle of the intersection.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+8A guy I used to ride with would garry a pocket full of 3/8" nuts in his pocket, and if someone ever cut him of in traffic, he'd get in front of them and loose a handfull of them on the other motorist.
- vypergts, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Throwing "missiles" in traffic is considered a felony in most states.
TMYK- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I know, I guess they say the trick is not to get caught.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -2/+7And people wonder why motorcyclists are referred to as "organ donors" by EMS and police...hahaha...most motorcyclists learn quickly that the danger isn't the motorcycle, but the others on the road...and we do our best to avoid them.
- Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -3/+4That's why I sold mine.
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -0/+6That's why you wear boots, so you can kick her grill in when she finally realizes you're there and stops in the middle of the intersection.
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4hell yeah Harley's get good gas mileage, plus you look and sound way cooler than any moron in his cage. You also become aware of the fact that there are other people on the road.
- PhantomSoul, on 03/25/2008, -3/+3Which is awesome...
...except when it's too hot, too cold, or raining...- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3Behold, the fair weather biker. Often also the type to put the bike on a trailer to go to a bike show.
Thank the gods the people I ride with ride almost year around, with a couple days off each winter month because of ice.- brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1Do you work at a dump? Driving to work when it is pouring rain or the road is covered in dirty slush or when it is 99 degrees in the shade is going to leave you looking and smelling pretty gross.
- fotbr, on 03/26/2008, -0/+1No, I work in a generic white-collar type office. Proper riding gear means road grime and water don't get through. As for heat and sweat, my ride in to work is early enough in the day that its not above the mid 80s. The ride home can be quite warm (100+ is not uncommon during the summer and fall), but I'm heading home, and can shower and change, so that doesn't bother me at all.
Plus, if you ride, you don't get stuck driving when taking clients to lunch.
- fotbr, on 03/26/2008, -0/+1No, I work in a generic white-collar type office. Proper riding gear means road grime and water don't get through. As for heat and sweat, my ride in to work is early enough in the day that its not above the mid 80s. The ride home can be quite warm (100+ is not uncommon during the summer and fall), but I'm heading home, and can shower and change, so that doesn't bother me at all.
- dfeifer, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2I ride all year round as well myself. raining.. I have a dry suit with feet that keeps you totally dry and you can wear normal clothes under it. Too cold? Wear a snowsuit.. too hot? umm.. never heard of too hot. Was stationed at Ft Hood Texas for 5 years, so hot most of the time we were dropping bambi buckets on fires constantly instead of doing field exercises. Have had my current bike for 3 years and currently have 43k miles on it.
- brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1Do you work at a dump? Driving to work when it is pouring rain or the road is covered in dirty slush or when it is 99 degrees in the shade is going to leave you looking and smelling pretty gross.
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3Behold, the fair weather biker. Often also the type to put the bike on a trailer to go to a bike show.
- skidooer, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5My snowmobile gets 12MPG. But we only have snow six weeks a year, if we're lucky, so fuel economy is amazing the other 46 weeks!
- nelson8403, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3my honda insight gets 70+ MPG, and its only a 10 gallon tank so its cheap to fill up too.
- rockefeller2, on 03/25/2008, -2/+3WTF? So, if I rip out my 15 gallon gas tank and put a 5 gallon tank in, somehow I'll be saving money on gas? I don't understand your reasoning.
?????- skidooer, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1If you always fill your tank, technically the 5 gallon tank will give you better fuel economy and thus allow you to save money on gas.
On the other hand, having to fill up more often is not without it's own costs. So you're not really going to be any farther ahead.- rockefeller2, on 03/26/2008, -1/+1How does the size of the tank give me better fuel economy?
- ChildeRoland420, on 03/26/2008, -0/+2Less fuel = less weight = better economy
- rockefeller2, on 03/26/2008, -1/+1So, you're telling me that if I put 5 gallons of gas in my truck instead of filling it up with 15, I'll save gas? But I'll have to fill up 3 times as often. How about if I only put 1 gallon of gas in my truck at a time? Will I save even more gas?
- skidooer, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1If you always fill your tank, technically the 5 gallon tank will give you better fuel economy and thus allow you to save money on gas.
- rockefeller2, on 03/25/2008, -2/+3WTF? So, if I rip out my 15 gallon gas tank and put a 5 gallon tank in, somehow I'll be saving money on gas? I don't understand your reasoning.
- Sham3d, on 03/25/2008, -3/+3http://www.metacafe.com/watch/524517/double_your_g ...
I've been using Acetone in my car for months, and get about 10-15+ mpg with no engine troubles in my '98 Corolla- Duositex, on 03/25/2008, -1/+6http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/acetone.asp
Fail.- bobdobolena, on 03/25/2008, -4/+2Snopes is not the authority of the internet. Do a little research, I suggest:
http://www.google.com/search?q=acetone+gas+additiv ...
To start.
It does work in most cars, the problem is you have to get the ratio right. On a long trip, I will use it because the mileage increases significantly. In my gas guzzling Jeep, I go from about 18mpg on the highway up to 24 mpg using it. On a long trip that makes a big difference. No where near what they show in the video, but as you saw they removed the spare tire, changed spark plugs, etc, etc all tips you should also try.- Duositex, on 03/25/2008, -1/+7I was merely pointing out how easy it is to find out that this is a sham. I hope you're enjoying your imaginary mileage increase when the acetone dissolves the rubber components of your fuel system.
- bobdobolena, on 03/25/2008, -3/+1It is also very easy to find out that it isn't a sham. Like I said, do some research. The rubber component argument really doesn't apply here unless of course you are still driving a 1982 Chevette and you screw up the mix ratio. 2-3 ounces per 10 gallons is not going to harm modern fuel systems...especially the ones that are now set up to run ethanol.
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2And everyone should dump the spare tire to save weight, because no one ever has a flat tire anymore.
Since you're giving that type of advice for "long trips" I'll skip your acetone snake-oil.
- Duositex, on 03/25/2008, -1/+7I was merely pointing out how easy it is to find out that this is a sham. I hope you're enjoying your imaginary mileage increase when the acetone dissolves the rubber components of your fuel system.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2So your telling us your out there dumping several bottles of nail polish remover into your gas tank. Shame it doesn't work, may make your tank nice and shiny inside though.
"Shiney happy gas tanks in a caaar...Shiney Happy Gas Tanks...."
- bobdobolena, on 03/25/2008, -4/+2Snopes is not the authority of the internet. Do a little research, I suggest:
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2Wondering what ratio you use in your Corolla?
I've done the same thing - and seen a bit of an increase, but nowhere near the numbers in the Metacafe video. - Spuy767, on 03/25/2008, -0/+6Acetone has ben outlawed in India I think because it creates a more toxic exhaust gas in addition to breaking cars. In addition, if you're looking for something, you're more likely to find it.
- alfitzhugh, on 03/25/2008, -1/+6I'm waiting for your car to turn into a firebomb from degraded tubing and seals. I have hot dogs and marshmallows.
And realizing +15MPG is pure *****. - lamiaconfitor, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Two words, Liquid Oxygen!
- Duositex, on 03/25/2008, -1/+6http://www.snopes.com/autos/techno/acetone.asp
- sleepbox, on 03/25/2008, -2/+11buried for waste of space due to common sense
- ronaldinho, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1though getting gas on a Wednesday morning......I have to admit, that's a smart tip. Otherwise, yeah it's all common sense, but well, it's not that common actually. Otherwise we will have less dumbasses in this country
- MtheoryX, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1How is getting gas on a Wednesday NOT common sense though? Price goes up on the weekends. I figured everyone knew that. Thus, buy gas on the particular day that is farthest from the weekend...Wednesday.
- catch-22, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Agreed, those were some pretty weak tips. Here's a couple that people don't know or don't pay attention to:
1. Check your tire pressure often. Most people are driving around on partially deflated tires and getting terrible mileage because of it. Not only the mileage, but it reduces the useful life of the tire as well.
2. If you're in the market for a new car, buy a manual transmission. This can save you a couple mpg, especially if you do lots of highway driving. Fifth gear will save you a decent amount of gas ;) Not to mention manual transmission cars are usually cheaper to buy anyways.- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1And they forgot the Air Filter.... dirty air filters won't allow your fuel and oxygen to mix properly which may lead to issues and gas loss.
Also keeping your car's tires rotated, balanced, and car in alignment....
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1And they forgot the Air Filter.... dirty air filters won't allow your fuel and oxygen to mix properly which may lead to issues and gas loss.
- ronaldinho, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1though getting gas on a Wednesday morning......I have to admit, that's a smart tip. Otherwise, yeah it's all common sense, but well, it's not that common actually. Otherwise we will have less dumbasses in this country
- cpbrown, on 03/25/2008, -10/+6Yeah, because trying to get cheaper gas will help the future. Oh, I forgot, humans are shortsighted selfish beings. Learn to cycle more people!
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -1/+8When the hell will you "ride a bicycle" morons realize not everyone can live where biking to work is practical? I won't count the people that don't want to live close enough, because that's their choice, but not everywhere that people work have ANY housing nearby.
- unrequited, on 03/25/2008, -0/+13Most importantly is don't drive like a D--... I routinely get 22+mpg on my WRX STi (by no means a green car) and on long highway only trips I've sustained 27-28mpg. Of course, when I just want to burn gas, it's easy to bottom out at around 15mpg.
I think driving habits namely setting a speed and sticking to it instead of zipping around and braking just as hard are the most important gas savers. Plus you'll save on brake replacements, and contribute to a less accident-prone environment.- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5I'd say if you really pushed that car in town, dragging from light to light, you could easily drop to 12 MPG. Getting 22 MPG in town is actually very good.
- yunus, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3I have a WRX not STI and get 28mpg as a commuter car. Turbos are great for having the option of getting good gas mileage. If I dont floor it and keep the turbo from doing to much I get subcompact mileage 30+ if I want to have fun I have that option to it just costs me at the pumps like an SUV.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -1/+4But the increased cost at the pumps is worth it due to the fun factor...SUVs are almost never "fun" to drive...
- cawpin, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2You apparently don't know how to drive a truck. They can be very fun.
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3@cawpin
*Some* trucks are fun to drive, but they're few and far between. SUVs, on the other hand, are never "fun" for me.
On the other hand, I suppose if your idea of "fun" is mudding and rock crawling, then you probably have more fun in trucks and SUVs than those of us who like speed and handling. - brufleth, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4@cawpin
People who call an SUV a truck either don't know what a truck is or don't know what most SUVs are.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -1/+4But the increased cost at the pumps is worth it due to the fun factor...SUVs are almost never "fun" to drive...
- bambooshoot, on 03/25/2008, -7/+15you guys have it easy, in the UK a gallon would cost you almost US$8
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -3/+10you live on an island....
- slvrbullet87, on 03/25/2008, -3/+2The US has some of the cheapest gas on the planet
- thorgrim, on 03/25/2008, -2/+2...
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3And they have very high taxes on their gas. Sure, British Petroleum and whatever other oil companies they have are still getting high profits, but its their government that's really raking it in.
- slvrbullet87, on 03/25/2008, -3/+2The US has some of the cheapest gas on the planet
- Snakedal337, on 03/25/2008, -2/+10You have health care and college :(
- lamiaconfitor, on 03/25/2008, -2/+2Nice trade, dont you think? I mean, we have creationists teaching intelligent de-sine to our children.
- alfitzhugh, on 03/25/2008, -0/+8You don't have any local refineries.
- InorganicMatter, on 03/25/2008, -1/+6Yeah right, you also live on a island where you can ride your bike everywhere, and you don't have a suppressed high-efficiency car industry.
- lamiaconfitor, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1We buy in bulk, baby! if you bought as much as we do, it would be cheap there too. your country is the small mom and pop store of gas wholesale purchase, we are the Walmart.
- tugger, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2Yep we live on an island, which is surrounded by huge oil fields.
We have lots of refineries.
Nissan, Honda, Ford, GM and Toyota produce most of their european vehicles here.
There are so many cars here, riding a bicycle is dangerous.
It's all tax. We call it 'Ripoff Britain'. The govt taxes stuff to hell so that everything costs 1/3 more than the rest of europe.- cupofjavaa, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1somebody get this man a cookie!
- markgl, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1yeah well there could be a massive comparison if your paying taxes on it then. cause we pay taxes on this and that and blah blah blah.
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -3/+10you live on an island....
- protodon, on 03/25/2008, -11/+2Where is become president, accuse venezuela of having WMDs, then drinking their milkshake?
- aerwin, on 03/25/2008, -5/+3Time to buy a Segway.
- DarkLance, on 03/25/2008, -3/+1and suck power from the grid? lot of help you're doing there
- melat0nin, on 03/25/2008, -3/+8Makes me laugh that folk in the US think they pay a lot for petrol; over here one litre is ~£1.10 = $2.20, so a gallon is knocking $9. ***** taxation makes my blood boil.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -2/+8But look at the positives...all those cameras watching your every move...the nanny state...oh wait, those aren't positives...sorry.
- mickstephenson, on 03/25/2008, -6/+6Would you yanks ***** off with the cameras thing. It is not the big deal you think it is, you guys dont like security cameras in PUBLIC places thats fine but don't use it as an excuse to make out that the US is super free and the UK is some kind of orwellian dystopia at every oppurtunity.
- lamiaconfitor, on 03/25/2008, -3/+1hey, I'm a yank, you are right. plus, I think it wouldn't be so bad if someone rapes a woman and I can find his dumb ass on a video, instead of him evading justice cause the girl was to horrified/drunk/whatever to give a good description. plus, no one complains about the cameras that private parties put all over the place. its just scarry to most of us if the government does it.
- yunus, on 03/25/2008, -4/+6I would rather see that money go to taxes than oil tycoons.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5Because they would never pass on the taxes to the end consumer...
- raynar, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1theres a difference?
- niczar, on 03/25/2008, -2/+3There is none, if you don't care about schools, hospitals, roads, mass transit and universities.
- salinemist, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1My city/county/state is able to do all of that with a $0.35 per gallon gas tax and fairly low property taxes.
- yunus, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1The point is the money will go one of the 2 ways. If they cut taxes on gasoline do you honestly think the price will go down for long? You don't think oil companies will say to themselves, those suckers were paying $4 a gallon why not keep it at that price.
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5Don't kid yourself, the oil companies are still getting theirs. The British gov't is just getting more.
- Skooma714, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Yeah, it should go to a bunch of idiots who waste the hell out of the money and never did anything to earn it.
- slvrbullet87, on 03/25/2008, -4/+2But you do have universal healthcare paid by that... oh wait that doesnt make it any better
i dont spend that much on healthcare - senatorpjt, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4Yeah, but you make more money, don't you? According to statistics.gov.uk the average income is £30K, which is around $60K. It's $43K in the US. These numbers aren't particularly up to date either, so it might be worse.
- Antimatter3009, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Or better! It might be better! ...
Ok, you're probably right, it's probably worse. And now I've gone and used up all my optimism for the day :( - salinemist, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Besides taxes, the cost of living is also higher in the UK. You guys need your own Ronald Reagan.
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Well, they had Ms. Thatcher.
- melat0nin, on 03/26/2008, -0/+1Alas I am well below the average :( .. plus I'm not sure that that difference makes up for the innumerable ways in which out cost of living is greater than that in the US, and most other European countries. Don't get me wrong, I think our welfare system is great in principle, but sometimes I do wonder (having studied our taxation system) what the real motivations are. We have the most complex tax system in the world, which takes policy to the limit in grabbing back every possible penny from the people. Ach well. The secret is to win the (tax free) lottery.
- Antimatter3009, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Or better! It might be better! ...
- markgl, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1laugh if up euro. what if you gas went from 8 dollars to 24 dollars? doesn't matter what you pay now, its the fact that we are paying this much as compared to just a few years ago.
- senatorpjt, on 03/27/2008, -0/+1True, considering that higher gas prices have led to more efficient public transportation in Europe. In the USA, if you don't live in a top metro area, you basically need to drive to survive.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -2/+8But look at the positives...all those cameras watching your every move...the nanny state...oh wait, those aren't positives...sorry.
- beersnob, on 03/25/2008, -6/+2This is news? Oh, my mistake, it came from CNN...it must be news. Buried because these tips are common sense and mostly because it came from CNN. Can't Digg just automatically filter out articles that are dug from CNN?
- fotbr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Sure, they can probably filter CNN. It could go on the list with Foxnews, NY Times, Little Green Footballs, Drudge, DailyKos, Huffington, Breitbart, Engadget, Wired, Gizmodo, 5min, and all the other sources that pop up all the time with people crying about them.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Meanwhile at the Clinton News Network....
CNN: "What can we report on today....hmmm...hmmmmm"
CNN: "Oh whats this itching me..." ** pulls wad of paper from their ass **
CNN: "Oh here we go.... Saving Gas Tips... hey stop all the important headlines, this is our ratings!"
- Clark3934, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Where's the old press hold the gas hose high in the air to salvage a few extra drops?
- wbeavis, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Remember if you shake it more than twice, you're playing with it!
- stukdog, on 03/25/2008, -2/+4Most of this is common sense, but there is one part I hadn't thought of:
"And it makes sense to buy your gas in the morning when it's the coolest time of day. This is when gasoline is most dense. Gas pumps charge by the volume of gasoline, not the density, so in colder temperatures you'll get more for your dollar."
I wonder how much of a difference it make.- fuhcough, on 03/25/2008, -0/+9i can't imagine there's much difference. gas isn't stored above ground - it's usually many feet BELOW the pumps where the temperature is always cooler and usually constant.
c'mon... do you really think the big gas and all the gas station franchises hadn't considered this eons ago? - DyDx, on 03/25/2008, -0/+7I can tell you with some confidence that that is pure *****. The density of a fluid is not going to change appreciably between the morning and afternoon from a 10-30 degree temperature difference.
Of course, I haven't done the calculations and I may be surprised to find out I'm wrong -- but until I look up the required facts about gasoline and do a calculation I'm just going to say it's probably *****. - ricksite, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Apparently whoever thought this up did it in the morning when their brain was smaller.
- fuhcough, on 03/25/2008, -0/+9i can't imagine there's much difference. gas isn't stored above ground - it's usually many feet BELOW the pumps where the temperature is always cooler and usually constant.
- OdinEye, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5I drive nearly 30,000 miles a year for my work so anything that makes for a useful increase in mileage gets my attention Unfortunately most of what is in this article is either common sense or hokum. Myth Busters took on the open windows issue, and I'm pretty sure that I've seen more than one article debunking the "buy on Wednesday "concept". I ran the math on the "Gas in the morning" idea some time ago. Assuming the claim is correct the actual, practical difference is so small that it isn't worth the change in your schedule.
- amneosis, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I was going to ask the same thing. Weird that it doesn't mention weight as a consideration but thinks the fuel density is significant.
- redmaxx, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1It all depends on where you live. If you fill up at 75 degrees in the morning versus 115 in the evening, there's going to be a BIG difference. But then, most people don't live in Phoenix. :P
- ricksite, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Gas is stored underground. The temperature is constant underground. There won't be a difference.
- balixtron, on 03/25/2008, -2/+3useless
- AriaStar, on 03/25/2008, -1/+11No *****, looking for a station with a lower price? Really?! I didn't know that.
Now to go fill the car at the corner station (for the bargain price of $3.97 yesterday) to go spend that tank looking for somewhere that's ten cents less. How many gallons will I have to buy to make it worth it? Who cares, I'm saving a dime!!
/sarcasm- fbruneault, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0So you only drive around your house? Then get a bicycle!
When I drive around, I look for gas stations and check out the price. If it's good, I stop and fill up. No need to out of my way.
- fbruneault, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0So you only drive around your house? Then get a bicycle!
- dupeduperson, on 03/25/2008, -4/+1I think "drive slower" is the best bet. On a partially related note, here is my optimal commuting speed calculator (also this is partially spam)
http://www.dotphys.net/page1/page10/page11/page11. ...- pbaehr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1You organize your website like a crazy person.
But check out the next page: dotphys.net/page3/page11/page9/page13/what_page_are_we_on/pageblue.html - cawpin, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1No, it's completely spam because it doesn't actually do anything.
- pbaehr, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1You organize your website like a crazy person.
- thugok, on 03/25/2008, -0/+20#7 Siphon from neighbor's car.
- wbeavis, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1#8 Drill for oil in backyard, refine in basement.
- alfitzhugh, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3Gas was seven cents cheaper at Costco yesterday. WooHoo! Plus I save at least $10 a month buying just eggs and milk. Definitely worth the membership cost!
I don't agree with the whole overnight/temperature thing. The variance is going to be much larger when the new gasoline is delivered. A colder outside temperature is going to have little effect on buried gas, but will have more effect on the transported fuel. - gerbco, on 03/25/2008, -4/+4Trick number 1. Walk
Trick number 2. Get a bike.- raynar, on 03/25/2008, -1/+8most of us have jobs in the real world where a little driving is necessary. we cant all ride the bike to high school.
- ronaldinho, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4Noit everyone lives in the city, even though I do both walking and cycling to get around most of the time (I live in Boston). And you know what? Gas is actually relatively cheap if we are talking about the US compared to other countries
- markgl, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3yeah right. sure. ok. fine. 5 miles back and forth from work. yeah, i'm a tri-athelete. i want to be biking to get to work in 15 degree weather.
- vanguardanon, on 03/25/2008, -1/+5It wasn't a terrible article but they dramatically overstate the problem.
1) The "buy dense gas in the morning" thing is dumb. The difference is density is barely even measurable in our application. Also, the gas is going to be about the temperature of the ground. It doesn't really matter if it's morning or night.
2) A roof rack doesn't alter your MPG by 21%. Sure, it's a drag but it's nothing like 21%.
3) Shopping around: I can save $0.03 by going to the right station. If you save $.040 then your area is a lot different than mine.- munkyxtc, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2Actually, I've read multiple articles in the past debating the dense fuel argument and it was determined that an average driver will save ~$32/yr by purchasing gas in the morning compared to less dense gas later in the day, sure $32 is minimal but it isn't completely false. I personally stop in the mornings just because it's easy on my way to work.
But I do agree on your 3rd point; in my area gas around town can be found in with a median price of about $3.22, by looking I can find it for as low as $3.18 and as high as $3.27; no where near the $.40 difference the article mentions. My guess is that it was some isolated gas station on a road to nowhere that charged a ton and CNN just ran with the story.- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1The whole fuel dense thing is bogus....your not going to get $10 of gas for $5...some of the tips like this are just plan silly... one site (howtoadvice.com), states this for saving gas:
16. Do not rest left foot on floor board pedals while driving. The slightest pressure puts "mechanical drag" on components, wearing them down prematurely. This "dragging" also demands additional fuel usage.
Next up.... a new fuel alternative discovered by The Kebler Elves..... chocolate gas..- munkyxtc, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1I didn't do the research myself; I'm just stating what I've read in the past, which is gas contract or expands about 1% per 15F change in temperature. The bottom line then was if you stick to filling up when it's colder you get a savings of 1%; or ~$32/yr. based on roughly 750gallons; no one ever said you were going to get $10 worth of gas for $5 or ~3:1 ratio; we are talking micro savings. To me, $32 isn't worth the hassle of checking the temp constantly and rushing off to get the 1% denser gas; like I said above I fill up in the morning because it's easy on the way to work; if I end up saving a couple bucks over the course of a year because of my schedule great otherwise no biggie. Now if the savings were hundreds of dollars or the gas was like jello then the argument would be different.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1The whole fuel dense thing is bogus....your not going to get $10 of gas for $5...some of the tips like this are just plan silly... one site (howtoadvice.com), states this for saving gas:
- cawpin, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Back in Indiana when I was going to college I could save 20 cents/gallon by going to a station about 5 miles from campus. THAT was definitely worth it.
- munkyxtc, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2Actually, I've read multiple articles in the past debating the dense fuel argument and it was determined that an average driver will save ~$32/yr by purchasing gas in the morning compared to less dense gas later in the day, sure $32 is minimal but it isn't completely false. I personally stop in the mornings just because it's easy on my way to work.
- RyanBlueThunder, on 03/25/2008, -1/+11Where is the obvious answer?
- Always make sure your tires are properly inflated!!!- senatorpjt, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5I can't believe they didn't mention that.
- uncertainty, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Thank you. This is probably the most obvious and important one that people forget to do.
- Veretax, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Looks like someone at CNN found an old Digg article and called it their own. These tips are so OFN.
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1CNN must have been low on ratings and had to resort to using Digg to boost them.
- nosto, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Call me misinformed but all these people from Europe saying we need to stop complaining or that we have it easy sound slightly silly to me. I have to commute at 50 mph (80 kph) for roughly 30 minutes each day just to work. How far does the average European drive in a daily commute? I know several people who drive at much higher speeds for almost an hour each way to and from work.
Maybe I am just overlooking a lot because its too early in the morning.- padfoot, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Yeah, Europe is like the size of the Eastwick mall. You can just walk to Germany.
Mate, everyone commutes to work, some people live closer and some people live farther. Its just what happens, it doesn't matter what continent you live on.
I commute at 100kmh for an hour each day. Suck it up.
- padfoot, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Yeah, Europe is like the size of the Eastwick mall. You can just walk to Germany.
- sbob420, on 03/25/2008, -1/+2the gas being more dense in the morning is bull if you live in canada have a look on the pump next time should be a sticker somehwere on it that says volume corrected to 15C i imagine its the same elsewhere as well or moring night your gas is all comming out at the same temp.
- freshyill, on 03/25/2008, -0/+4The gas is buried in underground tanks. Any expansion or contraction is very minimal. Stop believing everything your mom forwards to you in an email.
- senatorpjt, on 03/25/2008, -2/+3Using lower octane gas won't "damage your car". People think it's impure or something, but lower octane gas just has shorter-chain hydrocarbons. The worst thing that will happen is that it will knock, which isn't "good" for the car, but once you realize it's happening, you just move up one grade until it stops.
- alfitzhugh, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3Soooo... Using lower octane gas WILL "damage your car".
I love it when people prove themselves wrong.- schnikies79, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1A little bit of knock for a short time doesn't damage your car and using low-grade gas doesn't always make your car knock.
87 octane makes my car knock but in my truck it doesn't. So i use 87 in my truck and 89 in my car.- redmaxx, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2So it CAN cause damage, different from it WON'T.
- schnikies79, on 03/26/2008, -0/+1Agreed, but it's not a WILL cause damange, it's a CAN cause damage.
- redmaxx, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2So it CAN cause damage, different from it WON'T.
- senatorpjt, on 03/27/2008, -0/+1It may not damage YOUR car. The higher the compression ratio of your engine, the more likely you need the higher octane gas. If you don't actually need it for that reason, there is no benefit.
- schnikies79, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1A little bit of knock for a short time doesn't damage your car and using low-grade gas doesn't always make your car knock.
- alfitzhugh, on 03/25/2008, -1/+3Soooo... Using lower octane gas WILL "damage your car".
- djblast, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5Bull *****, if your manufacturer recommends premium gas, please ***** use premium. My mom had her 96 Acura Tl before me and she always put regular grade. When I got the car (for my first car) guess what, the catalytic converters were shot due to the octane being wrong for the past 90,000 miles.
Now my 03 Acura MDX can take regular (even though it says premium), the engine will retard the timing itself, but its not good for the car, the car was meant to run on premium, not regular. Also, if premium fuel is recommended and you put regular, you are not going to get better gas mileage, you will get worse.
this guy is an idiot.- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Well sure your car can take 87 octane crap...but agreed, it will reduce your mileage. Sucks to have to spend the extra dime, but what are you going to do.
Conversely...using 91 octane in my motorcycle DECREASES mileage... - saikyan, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Honda engines designed for premium fuel are notorious for being unable to accept anything else, regardless of weather it's "required" or "recommended" by Honda. Bottom line: high output Honda's like premium.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Well sure your car can take 87 octane crap...but agreed, it will reduce your mileage. Sucks to have to spend the extra dime, but what are you going to do.
- GutterMoo, on 03/25/2008, -2/+1They forgot to mention that the gas stations with the cheapest gas use the lowest quality of fuel. Paying the extra couple cents could increase the life of your engine and give better mileage.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Yeah, because those pesky gas stations would never use the same distributor...
Example: in my local area, three distributors supply almost 99% of the stations in town.- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2At an Oil Refinery Outside Kookamonga:
** Mobil truck pulls up, fills up ** "NEXT!" ** Sunoco truck pulls up, fills up**, "NEXT!", ** LukOil Truck Pulls up, Fills up**
They all use the same oil distributors...
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2At an Oil Refinery Outside Kookamonga:
- tugger, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3correct badgat.
Also, all the distributers use the same refinery.
All this ***** marketing about 'tiger in the tank' and BP's cleaner burn fuel is *****, the fuel all comes from the same ***** refinery.
- badqat, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Yeah, because those pesky gas stations would never use the same distributor...
- InorganicMatter, on 03/25/2008, -0/+5I thought my trick worked the best: JUST BUY A SMALLER CAR!!!
- tugger, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Yep, get a smart and give it a LPG gas conversion. That should give you the equivalent of 85mpg.
As a bonus, they are alot tougher/safer than 4x4s.
- tugger, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Yep, get a smart and give it a LPG gas conversion. That should give you the equivalent of 85mpg.
- eybear, on 03/25/2008, -0/+66. Keep tires fully inflated regularly.
- freshyill, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I'll go one better: Instead of keeping them fully inflated regularly, I say keep them fully inflated at all times!
- astrotrain, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Better assure your PSI on your drivers door... you can over inflate your tires... and then one day **BOOM**
- regeya, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I'll agree that a lot of this just sounds like common sense, like telling people to save electricity by turning off lights when you're not in the room, or to use less water and electricity by taking one short shower every other day in the winter instead of a long shower twice a day. But judging by the way people are still driving around here, common sense is sadly lacking. This area is more rural than most of you probably live in, so the busiest road is a 4-way highway with several stop lights. Me, I avoid it when possible and take back roads (slower, but less stops) but when I do take it I'm careful to keep it at speed limit, because most the lights are timed rather than on some adaptive system. Yeah, we really do have a mix of the two systems and that stinks. The funny thing is driving home at night; I have about 18 miles between work and home, and I'll watch these asshats "gun it" at the green lights, fly past me, and when I'm coasting to the next light, there they are...and as soon as it turns green, they "gun it" again...and these same people bitch because gas is too expensive.
I won't talk about the people I see who show up for work reeking of booze and smokes, complaining about expenses...
Personally, I used to take the busy highway in the morning. stopped often, had to keep up with traffic to keep from being a hazard. on top of that, at least once a week, I'd head to a local hiking spot. I cut that out, and went to taking back roads, the most direct route possible. I now use half the gas I used to. I wish I were kidding about that, but I'm not.
Hey, this may motivate me to get more in shape; 18 miles isn't out of the question for a bike ride. Dad used to do it in the late 70s, so I could, too. :-) - liuite, on 03/25/2008, -1/+27. Stop driving
- freshyill, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Wow, I bet nobody's thought of that one yet!
- gkiltz, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1One "trick" that is under appreciated and that I have been using for years:
When you mow the lawn-most people put the mower on full throttle and just leave it there!
Don't do that!
Look and listen!
Throttle the mower just high enough that it does not bog down significantly on the particular section you're cutting, and does not stall.
In a nutshell: Throttle up over the thick, high or coarse sections where you need to, and throttle down over the tender or thinner grass! You'll save a couple of gallons over the course of the season, but more importantly, you will reduce ALL TYPES of pollution, including noise pollution, and the damage that your hearing takes as you age.
As you get used to doing it, it won't slow you down!- jmontana66, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Or if you have a small yard, get a reel mower. No pollution, no hearing damage, and you get exercise, too!
- ricksite, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1The speed isn't to keep your mower from bogging down. The high speed cuts better. At slower speed the blade can tear the grass with invites disease.
- wbeavis, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0Anyone else stop and wonder how many gallons of gas are in the hose running all the way to the tank. Seems to me if you select premium, you are going to get a bit of the last guys select before yours. Plus the guys after you will get a bit of premium mixed with his. There is, after all, one pump that dispenses all. And those tanks are awefully far from the pump.
- freshyill, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Never underestimate Costco. I paid $3.06 at a Costco near DC on Friday, when every regular station around was $3.19 or higher.
Oddly enough, and against all logic, I saw gas prices go down from $3.19 to $3.16 from Saturday to Sunday at a Sheetz outside of Raleigh, N.C. this past weekend. - darkjedig, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1I really don't understand why cars over in the States get so little mileage. I just bought a new Renault Megane Estate (station wagon to you Americans) and I average around 46MPG. Sure, it not as sporty as the cars I've had in the past, but it is by far the most comfortable for me and the kids on long trips, and it saves me a heck of a lot of money!
- salinemist, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1We have to tow our giant boats and move stuff for our giant houses. Have you been to the US?
- Hosalabad, on 03/25/2008, -0/+3Daily temperature fluctuations do little to nothing to affect the temperature of underground tanks.
- redmaxx, on 03/25/2008, -1/+1When your temperature swings are in the 40 degree range, there is a BIG difference.
- welshie, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Tip 7 : conservation of momentum. If you have to have a big heavy (>1 ton) vehicle, use the engine going downhill, and don't fight the car as it wants to go slowly uphill. The more your foot is on the power, the more fuel will be burnt. If possible, don't drive when conditions will be stop-start. Your fuel will be used for little more useful than heating your brake discs. On the open road, leave a larger than required stopping distance, so you don't need to use your brakes. This also helps to keep traffic flowing freely. Don't drive anywhere in a hurry.
- WhatsUpWithJack, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2Wow, CNN. Way to step up your reporting game. Source for this article = FW: FW: FW: FW: fW: RE: FW: fw; FW: fw: MONEY SAVING TIPS!!1one
- blacktriangle, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Tip # 9
Buy a smaller vehicle immediately. - Kung, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1what a load of garbage. This is what passes for journalism these days? publishing the contents of a chain email?
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/household/gastips.as ... - groone, on 03/25/2008, -0/+2I drive with my AC off even when it is 113 degrees Fahrenheit here in Alabama. AC causes cars to use a lot of gas. I remembered an old article about acetone that I was pleased to see was still around. http://www.pureenergysystems.com/news/2005/03/17/6 ...
I think I'm going to start using it with the way gas is priced these days. - kurtwinter, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Tip 8 : Accelerate downhill to coast uphills. The only time you need to use your brakes on a highway is for either danger or when you are leaving the highway. Stay right except to pass. Gas / brake chews up brake pads and sucks down gas. Be a considerate driver!
- zadax, on 03/25/2008, -1/+0The above tips are way better than the article. I would like to add & emphasize the following:
1. Manual/Stick vehicles do save gas over same model with automatic transmissions
2. If you have a stick, skip shifting saves many miles per tank of gase (shift 1 -> 3 -> 5). You won't have an aggressive acceleration rate, as it forces you to accelerate conservatiely, if anything.
3. If you live in a hilly area the aforementioned tip about momentum etc. is key to saving gas.
4. Make sure your O2 sensors are all well. Fixing a bad one added ~35 miles per tank of gase for me.
5. This one I have been tracking for many months now. DO NOT USE ETHANOL GAS. Seriously, in my area the state requires stations to label ethanol vs nonethonal pumps. So, I go to a Sunoco or Sheetz that clearly states they use up to 10% ethanol. Then I go to another brand station that does not use ethanol. The difference I have calculated ranges between 15 and 45 gallons per tank. Driving the same work route, only during my calculations.
Between all of my above changes I have made to my driving and pump habits, I now get and extra 3 days commute to work! I went from filling it up monday morning to monday morning to now monday morning to the following wednesday trip home! - HardChargerxxx, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Buried for wasting electrons. I already knew I saved $ by spending less on gas (and other commodities). cnn.com is going DOWNHILL!
- RogueMountie, on 03/25/2008, -0/+1Where I live, the price of gas is corrected for changes in density due to temperature. The pump says "Volume corrected to 15°C" or something. Maybe this is just in Canada? Where I live the temperature varies between -40°C to 40°C (-40°F to 100°F) throughout the year, so I'm sure it would make a difference.
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